Steam returns to Penrith in May
BY NOEL ROWSELL
STEAM returned to Penrith for one weekend on Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th May, with Transport Heritage NSW providing former NSWGR Express Steam Locomotive 3526 for 75-minute train rides from Penrith to Valley Heights on both days.
The weekend was booked out in advance by steam train fans, taking the rare opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of steam as they travelled from Penrith up the scenic Lower Blue Mountains line and return.
There was a range of options, including Open Saloon seating, in a Private Compartment or for something extra special, Lounge Class, complete with an open observation deck.
NSWGR Express Steam Locomotive 3526 steams through Werrington on Saturday morning, bound for Penrith to fulfil a weekend of train excursions to the Lower Blue Mountains.
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Be a Local Health Hero: Get Vaccinated Before Winter
WITH winter fast approaching, Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is calling on community members to take simple steps that can make a big difference by staying up to date with their vaccinations.
Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said winter is a peak time for respiratory illnesses like Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
“We know these viruses start circulating at higher levels towards the end of Autumn, and usually peak mid to late winter. They can spread quickly through families, workplaces and community spaces. Now is the perfect time to make sure your vaccinations are up to date to get ahead of that peak and
protect not only yourself, but those who are most at risk,” said Ms Reay.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. Under the National Immunisation Program, certain groups can receive the vaccine for free. This includes young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those with certain medical conditions.
“Experts have reported a higher number of flu cases earlier this year, up to 50% more compared to this time last year, indicating that the flu season has started early so it’s a good time to make sure you’re protected,” said Ms Reay.
“Getting vaccinated not only helps keep you well, but it also strengthens community-wide immunity, reducing the chances of serious illness for our most vulnerable members.”
Liberal Melissa McIntosh re-elected in the seat of Lindsay
“TO everyone in our community (the best community in the country) thank you so much for your support. I am so humbled but so honoured to be returned as your local federal member for Lindsay for another three years.
I want to thank our volunteers who worked so hard every day of the campaign as well as my staff; I am so grateful to have an amazing team behind me, my family. To everyone who came out to pre poll and hugged me, gave me coffees and wished me the best - it was really heartwarming.
Most of all I am looking forward to getting back on with the job and being out in our community - a community that I love so deeply.
Please come and say hi if you see me out and about!
Finally, just thank you, thank you so much and I promise I won’t let you down.”
Message from Hollie McLean, Labor Candidate for Lindsay
“I want to begin by thanking the people of Lindsay for the opportunity to campaign across our vibrant and growing community. It has been a privilege to speak with so many residents who care deeply about our region and its future.
The result in Lindsay shows that many in our community want change. I am immensely proud of the positive community-focused campaign we ran.
At a national level, the strong result delivering a reelected Albanese government means all Australians can look forward to strong, steady leadership and the realisation of the commitment t Building Australia’s Future.
I want to congratulate Melissa McIntosh on her reelection and wish her well in representing Lindsay in the Federal Parliament. Our community deserves a strong voice in Canberra, and I will continue to be a tireless advocate for the needs of working families, manufacturing workers, and people living with a disability.
This campaign was never just about politics - it was about people and the values we hold. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported and believed in
Labor returned in Macquarie - Susan Templeman re-elected
I’M delighted and grateful to have been elected as the Member for Macquarie for the fourth time.
With nearly 90 percent of the votes counted there has been an increase to my majority and I thank every person who has put their trust in me to represent this vast and diverse community.
I am particularly appreciative of the support from the new parts of the electorate - Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay. I am eager to work with Penrith Council to deliver the promised sporting and playground improvements to the area.
We ran a positive campaign about better services and building a better future for Australians, and I am so excited to start the work including delivering a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to the Hawkesbury, an Endometriosis and Menopause clinic for the Nepean-Blue Mountains, see work begin on the new Richmond Bridge, and create a koala refuge in our world heritage area.
The result also reflects the ongoing efforts of many elected Labor State and Council representatives including State Members Trish Doyle and Karen McKeown, and Mayors Mark Greenhill and Todd Carney, and I thank them for their support and cooperation as we work together for the region.
It demonstrates the power of individual community volunteers who selflessly, for no personal gain other than to make a difference, give so much of their time to support me and the
Labor Party. Whether union members, retirees or youth, there were hundreds of people who helped get our positive message out. A special thank you to the teachers across Macquarie who were on polling booths to inform parents about our historic agreement to fully fund public education.
I acknowledge the efforts of the five other Macquarie candidates. After six elections, I know the challenge you and your families have just undertaken, and our democracy is stronger for your willingness to engage. I look forward to working with Councillor Creed as Hawkesbury Council continues to fulfil the 2022 election funding that I delivered to them.
This is a very precious victory for my hardworking, committed and exceptional electorate team. We’re going to savour it today and then it’s back to work tomorrow for the people of Macquarie.
our vision for a fairer, stronger western Sydney.
As your Councillor and community advocate, I will keep working every day to deliver practical, lasting outcomes for the people of Lindsay. Our fight for fairness and opportunity continues.”
A thank you message from Liberal Candidate for Macquarie, Mike Creed
FIRSTLY, congratulations to Ms Templeman — I wish her all the very best for the future.
I love this community and remain committed to seeing that our infrastructure is strengthened, services are delivered, and people are genuinely supported.
Throughout this campaign, I stayed focused on the issues and kept it positive. No personal attacks — just a deep respect for the community and a desire to make it better.
To everyone who shared your stories, concerns, and hopes with me — thank you. That’s what democracy should be about.
And to my incredible team of volunteers: I am truly humbled. Your time, passion, and belief in me means more than I can say. You were with me every step of the way.
This isn’t the end — I’ll continue serving on Council and doing everything I can to make sure our local government works for the people it represents.
Let’s keep working together. Cheers, Mike.
STATEMENT FROM SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP
A MESSAGE FROM MELISSA MCINTOSH MP
Welcoming wave of initiatives for St Marys’ future
PENRITH City Councillor Garion Thain is heralding a series of measures passed by Penrith City Council as “gamechangers” that will help the St Marys CBD adapt and thrive into the future.
Cr Thain, who is a St Marys local, highlights recent initiatives such as the Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy, which is now on public exhibition, the imminent undertaking of the Council-led St Marys Central Park project – which will see Coachman’s and Kokoda parks combined into one new and modern public space, as well as the passing of the greater St Marys Town Centre Masterplan as three keystone projects which will transform the face of St Marys.
The Town Centre masterplan in particular, which was endorsed by the Council in April, is currently with the State Government for endorsement, superseding their own Transit Oriented Development designation for the city.
According to State Government data, St Marys and Penrith are already suburban Sydney’s 3rd and 4th fastest growing nighttime economies respectively. Once the St Marys central park project is completed, along with the opening of the Western Sydney International airport and accompanying metro, the St Marys Town Centre will forever change.
The 24-hour economy strategy, as well as the Town Centre Masterplan, are designed to help guide the development of the Town Centre into the longer term, as more people choose to work and live in the St Marys area.
Cr Thain notes that the Town Centre Masterplan was developed with input from the broader community, and that feedback has been very positive, including from the State Government.
Cr Garion Thain said, “As someone who’s lived in St Marys my entire life, I’m really excited by what we’re seeing right now in the town-planning space. St Marys is Penrith’s second CBD, and with the arrival of the airport, it’s more important than ever that we get the strategy for the future right.
“It’s great to see that St Marys will not only soon have a new Central Park, but that Council have
taken the lead in helping plan for the entire Town Centre’s future. We know that when locals have a chance to plan their own destiny, it leads to better results. I’m really pleased that Prue Car and the Planning Minister have seen the work that Council and Mayor Carney are doing and putting their support behind it.
“I love that the community has been involved, and I encourage them to have a say on the future of our nighttime economy while the 24 hour strategy is on exhibition at yoursaypenrith.com. au/24houreconomystrategy.”
Council invites the community to help shape Penrith’s future
PENRITH City Council has released a new suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents outlining a clear path to achieving the community’s vision for Penrith. The community is invited to provide feedback during the public exhibition from 1 May to 28 May 2025.
The public exhibition includes the:
• Draft Penrith 2041+ Community Strategic Plan – a 15-year vision for Penrith.
• Draft 2025-29 Delivery Program incorporating the Draft 2025-26 Operational Plan – this document outlines the 4-year work program to deliver the Community Strategic Plan, with a detailed plan of action for the upcoming year.
• Draft 2025-35 Resourcing Strategy – A 10-year strategy to ensure Council has the necessary people, budget, technology and infrastructure in place to deliver against its commitments.
• Draft 2025-26 Fees and Chargeslisting all the fees and charges relating to the services Council provides.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the documents were shaped by community input and align the long-term goals and expectations for the area, with Council’s actions and resources –
ensuring a responsible approach to sustainable growth.
“Last year we consulted widely with residents to develop the draft Penrith 2041+ Community Strategic Plan (CSP). From these conversations, we know our community has a strong vision for the future, and we have a solid plan in place to achieve it,” Cr
Carney said.
“The CSP is the overarching roadmap that will inform other strategies around employment, housing, recreation, open space and more, to help us create a more liveable, connected, sustainable,
inclusive and vibrant City.
“The Delivery Program and Operational Plan map out our next steps. The future direction for Penrith builds on our success so far and sensitively captures the essence of what makes our City special, while harnessing new opportunities.”
Cr Carney highlighted some of the key projects planned for the year ahead including the Bennett Park Upgrade, Cook Park Sports Precinct Upgrade, Dunheved Road Upgrade, Parker Street Reserve Upgrade and St Marys Central Park.
Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore said: “Unprecedented growth presents immense opportunity – though it also comes with challenges. These documents lay the foundation for Council in navigating the change in a considered and financially sustainable way.
“With ageing infrastructure and population growth set to soar, we are working to ensure that our organisation has the ability to innovate and the financial capacity to deliver on the role that Penrith plays in metropolitan Sydney, as well as the community’s aspirations and expectations for their City.
“We’re pleased to now share the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting documents with the community for feedback. It’s an exciting time for Penrith and we really value your continued feedback and ideas as we continue on this journey together,” Mr Moore said.
The community can view the documents and provide feedback at yoursaypenrith.com.au/penrith2041. Hard copies are also available to view at the Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Business Office or any Penrith City Library.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney (pictured at the recently upgraded Regatta Park) is encouraging the community to review Council’s strategic plans throughout May
THE City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch was honoured to be presented an Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club (EPJRCL) jersey on ANZAC Day.
The jersey was presented to sub-Branch President Athony Eddie by the RSL Club’s very own handy man, Koleti.
“Thanks, Koleti and EMU (EPJRLFC) for the ongoing relations, we hope to continue supporting the Club in the future,” Mr Eddie said. “The jersey is an amazing tribute to all ADF service men and women and will be framed, then promptly sent to the pool room!”
PAW PATROL at the Penrith Museum of Fire
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Museum of Fire, Penrith is delighted to announce that Marshall and Chase of PAW Patrol will be at the Museum of Fire on Saturday 10th May for Fire and Rescue NSW’s Open Day!
Bring the kids along to meet the Pups, local firefighters and learn im-paw-tant fire safety tips.
This FREE* event will feature a range of free displays and activities including:
- Chase and Marshall
- Historic Fire Engines
- Road Crash Rescue
- Hazmat
- RPAS (Drones)
- Liquid Detection Dogs
- Kitchen Fire Simulation
Outback Steakhouse will also be on-site, with all proceeds going to ‘Beat the Burn’ - a charity established and supported by firefighters to raise vital funds for the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
*Museum entry not included. Please note there is limited parking onsite, so please consider taking public transport. The Museum is just a short walk from Penrith Station, via Combewood Avenue.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
ORCHARD HILLS
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills
Why is my pet so itchy? Understanding common skin problems in dogs
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
OVER the past month, we’ve noticed a rise in itchy dogs coming through our doors. Itchy skin is a frequent issue for dog owners and can often signal an underlying health problem. A dog’s skin and coat are a window into their overall health, so ongoing scratching or discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. Whilst some skin conditions are seasonal, many can affect dogs all year round and may need veterinary care to manage properly.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the leading causes of itching in dogs. For some pets, even a single flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction to
flea saliva, causing intense irritation— especially around the tail base. Regular flea prevention is crucial, and it’s important to treat all pets in the home, whether they live inside or outside. If left untreated, FAD can lead to painful secondary infections, making your pet even more uncomfortable.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)
Atopy is caused by a reaction to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould spores. Commonly affected areas include the belly, paws, and armpits. Many dogs with atopy have a genetic skin barrier defect, making them more sensitive to their surroundings. If not properly managed, mild itching can quickly progress to widespread, severe skin inflammation.
Food Allergy Dermatitis
Food allergies tend to develop after a dog’s first year, with common culprits being beef, chicken, and wheat. Diagnosing a food allergy typically involves a food elimination trial, where a novel diet—such as kangaroo and pumpkin—is fed exclusively for around three months. A elimination
should always be done in consultation with your veterinarian.
Mange
Mange results from mite infestations, most often caused by Demodex or Sarcoptes mites. It leads to intense itching, patchy hair loss, and can easily result in secondary infections. Scabies, in particular, is highly contagious to both pets and humans. If mange is suspected, prompt veterinary care is essential to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are moist, inflamed areas of skin caused by excessive licking, biting, or scratching. They can develop quickly from minor irritations like flea bites, small wounds, or allergies and may rapidly worsen if not treated. Early
veterinary intervention is important to prevent infection and relieve your pet’s discomfort.
When to Seek Veterinary Care for Itching
Whilst the occasional scratch is normal, persistent or severe itching is not. Look out for these signs that your dog’s itchiness needs veterinary attention:
• Frequent licking, biting, or chewing at certain areas
• Red, inflamed, or scabbed skin
• Noticeable hair loss or bald patches
• Excessive rubbing of the face, belly, or paws
• Changes in appetite or behaviour due to discomfort
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay—book a veterinary checkup. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent skin issues from becoming chronic and help your pet feel like themselves again.
Need help? Contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4736 2027 to book an appointment. We’re here to make your pet comfortable and happy again!
Dear Food Lovers,
My name is Dharma, and I’m excited to introduce myself to this wonderful community. I’m now operating DAD’s Indian Restaurant (Dharma’s Amritsari Dhaba), located at the former Tamilini premises – 12 Castlereagh Street, Penrith, right opposite Penrith RSL. I truly understand the emotional connection many of you had with Tamilini, and I deeply respect and appreciate the support you gave to it over the years. I humbly request the same warmth and encouragement as I begin this new journey with you. We’ve refreshed the space while preserving the cherished memories many of you hold dear. More positive changes and fresh vibes are on the way! My goal is to create a place that feels like your own – where your taste buds are always satisfied and your feedback is always welcome.
We’re now open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, and we’d love for you to drop by, try our food, and share your thoughts. Your feedback will help us continuously improve and bring you the best possible flavors.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or a private event, our venue is ready to host you. We offer a rich and diverse menu – from beloved Indian street food to North Indian classics and spicy South Indian delights. Visit our menu at dadpenrith.com.au, which will take you straight to Dharma’s Amritsari Dhaba.
The initials of the restaurant – DAD – hold a special meaning for many, and I hope that name brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to all who walk through our doors. Looking forward to serving you and becoming a part of your food journey.
Warm regards, Dharma - Dharma’s Amritsari Dhaba – DAD’s Indian Restaurant
Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day spoil your mum in Penrith CBD with breakfast, flowers, gifts or beauty. Dine, shop and support local in the Penrith CBD.
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1/566 High St, Penrith p: 4708 8000
Tranquility and Spa Facial + Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage SPECIAL OFFER $139 (rrp $164)
Elegant Brow Makeover - Softly framed Brows, designed to enhance your natural beauty ONLY $109 (rrp $139)
PCYC NSW Invests $150K to Enhance Gymnastics Programs for the Penrith Community
PCYC NSW is proud to announce a major investment of $150,000 to create a state-of-the-art gymnastics space at the PCYC Penrith Club. This exciting new facility is set to elevate the gymnastics experience for both beginners and seasoned athletes in the local community.
The new gymnastics space will be ready for the start of Term 2 and will showcase top-of-the-line, competitionlevel equipment, including a full sprung floor area, tumble trampoline, new beams and uneven bars.
“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life. Our new gymnastics space will provide a world-class environment for young athletes to train, learn, and thrive. This investment is just the beginning, as we are committed to growing our gymnastics program in Penrith for the local community,” said Justin Hayes, PCYC Gymnastics Manager.
Along with the new equipment, PCYC is also investing in its coaching team to ensure the highest quality training for all participants. All PCYC gymnastics coaches are accredited by Gymnastics Australia, bringing a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and support to every session.
“Our new gymnastics program will offer additional pathway programs for gymnasts in the future, including TeamGym, Power Tumbling, and FreeG/Parkour. By investing in both the facility and our coaches, we’re creating a strong foundation for the future of gymnastics in Penrith,” said Justin.
The Penrith community can look forward to an exciting new chapter for gymnastics at the PCYC Penrith Club, with more KinderGym classes, gymnastics opportunities, and a space purposely designed to inspire the next generation of athletes.
About Penrith PCYC NSW
PCYC is a youth charity established in 1937. PCYC is built by the community, for the community and is the largest provider of community sports and recreation across New South Wales. We also offer OOSH Care services, driver education programs and youth programs.
Through the three youth program streams of Employability, Wellbeing and Leadership and Culture and Community we provide young people with safe spaces to get active, build capability and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“Freedom Park” Plan for Community
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN 1962 “Freedom Park” had been chosen by Mr William J Eason the Principal of St Marys High School and proposed by him at the South Creek vicinity the name for the community centre area. Mr Eason submitted his plan for public consideration and discussion this Education Week when interest is focussed on the needs of children present and future. The plan proposed is entry from Queen Street near the Bank of NSW from the Western Highway to the Sydney side of South Creek and from Dunheved to the east of the golf links. About 180 acres. The land facing Queen Street is now being developed with the assistance of the St Marys Rotary Club, the land occupied by the Scouts’ hall, the area known as Athletics Oval, the St Marys High School War Memorial Pool, the land owned by Penrith City Council extending from the Western Highway along the bank of South Creek to the railway line, the St Marys High School area and that portion of Commonwealth land lying to the north of the railway line and extending to the Dunheved golf links, a portion dedicated as “public gardens and recreation area”. The individual authorities at present controlling and developing the various sections to retain the autonomy but to develop a loose form of federation. The athletics oval area to be developed by the Leagues Club and the area to the north of the railway line to be developed by the National Fitness Association. As the St Marys High School area is the most advanced in development at present it is suggested that the facilities of the school be made more fully available after school hours, weekends and during school vacations. With the regard to this immediate development and to the use of the school by the community centre it is also suggested that a citizens committee be appointed to negotiate with the Department of Education and to operate the community centre and that a number of clubs be formed to work in afternoons from 4 p.m. and each club be supervised by a paid instructor also a superintendent be appointed. The clubs to be open to all school children of the St Marys area (State and Non-State). That provision be made for the outlying schools by the establishment of small centres and an instructor and a bus service to bring the children to the main centre and a number of clubs to be established be decided by the money available. That the clubs be financed by donations from the employees of industrial firms and business and by donations from the service clubs, by private donations and a small membership fee.
That in general the donations should be on a weekly basis. That a salary of say 30/- per hour be paid to instructors. It is apparent that for an income of £12 a week it would be possible to establish for four afternoons per week one club at St Marys High School and one club or recreation centre at for example Bennett Road school. It may be necessary at the outlying centre to organise working-bees for the quick development of the area. For the future development of the park and of the community centre with its outlying partners the following suggestions are made and hopes expressed. (a) That the gateways to the park from Queen Street and from the Western Highway should in some way commemorate the fact that South Creek is “the birthplace of a free nation”. (b) That during the 1963 celebrations of the crossing of the Blue Mountains there should be an official opening of the park. (c) That there should be no fear amongst various organisations of loss of individual authority. (d) That somewhere to the west of South Creek an area should be acquired which will provide a centre for rural pursuits such as animal husbandry, plant growing, horse-riding and other such interests. (e) That the difficulties to be encountered should, in no way, prevent us from recognising that the plan is a practical one. Mr Eason was a well-liked Headmaster with a vision. He came to St Marys High School from Penrith and was instrumental in changing the structure of learning within the school.
Source - Nepean Times Thursday 9 August 1962
Photo of the Demountable Buildings at St Marys High School in 1957 courtesy of State Archives NSW.
Jessica Fog in winning form at Penrith Golf Club
THE 2025 Ladies Penrith Cup attracted a field of 39 starters (including 18 visitors from 9 other clubs) on Sunday 4th May, with 8 players on handicaps of 7 or less.
The event was held in perfect Autumn sunshine and Penrith juniors scooped the main prizes, with 16-year-old Jessica Fog winning this year’s title, ahead of 13-year-old Nicole Son, who finished as runner-up on a count back from Annabelle Elina (Stonecutters Ridge GC).
Sarah Johnson (Marrickville) won the Best Nett, ahead of Indy MacGregor (Castle Hill).
It’s been a lucrative month for Jessica, who also captured the Penrith GC Ladies Club Championship on 1st May, following an 18-hole playoff with clubmate Joanne Ogle.
Left: Diane Montgomery, Jessica Fog, Di Edwards. Right: Jessica Fog - Penrith Cup
Photos supplied by Amanda Fog and Lynne Roberts (Penrith GC)
Panthers burnt by Comets in NBL1 East
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Penrith Panthers were on the road to Alexandria for Round 5 of the 2025 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Basketball competition, taking on the Sydney Comets.
Despite two close games, the Panthers couldn’t grab a win on the night, falling 67-62 in the women’s game and 75-64 in the men’s game.
Both women’s teams had lost their previous three games and it was always going to be an arm wrestle, although Abi Curtin (Comets) delivered 23 points as the decisive factor for the home team.
The scores were level at the first break (15-15), with the Comets edging ahead 31-30 by half time. The third quarter would prove decisive, with the Comets winning the term 24-14 to set up a winning lead and denying a late Panthers fightback for the 5-point win.
Jordan Vasquez led the Panthers with a double-double of 19 points / 19 boards, ahead of Mia Heide also
with a double-double of 10 points / 15 boards and Tatiana Beaumont 10 points.
Both men’s teams were also coming off successive losses, with Sydney dropping their last two games and the Panthers their last three.
Once again, it was a dominant performance from one player which
ultimately decided the contest, with Obi Kyei (Comets) grabbing 24 points and 15 boards to lead his team to an 11-point victory.
The Comets led 22-11, 41-32 and 60-52 at the first three breaks, then closed out the final quarter for the win.
Zeke Evans led the Panthers with 15 points, ahead of Brodie Schwarzer 11
and Jonah Pares flirting with a tripledouble with 9 points, 10 assists and 7 boards.
Both Penrith teams are away to the Norths Bears on Saturday night, then return home to the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre on Sunday to host the Illawarra Hawks (women 11am, men 1pm).
Jess Fox OAM re-elected to AOC Executive
BY NOEL ROWSELL
CANOE Slalom World, Olympic and World Cup champion Jess Fox OAM has retained her position on the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Executive (Board), following elections at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney on Saturday.
Olympic champion swimmer Susie O’Neill AM and AusCycling Chair Craig Bingham will be new faces on the AOC’s Executive, and will serve alongside President Ian Chesterman AM, Vice Presidents Evelyn Halls OAM OLY and Matt Allen AM, IOC Member Jess Fox OAM OLY and AOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Brodie Summers.
Mr Chesterman said the election results meant the Executive would have a strong mix of fresh talent and experience leading into such an important time for the Olympic Movement in the country.
“We have the opportunity to use the next seven-year runway into Brisbane 2032 to create a stronger Olympic Movement, to have the AOC and Olympic sports coming out of Brisbane 2032 better than ever,” Mr Chesterman said.
“We’re really lucky that we had 13 strong candidates for the Board and I thank all the nominees for engaging in this process and offering their commitment to contributing to the Olympic Movement.”
Jess Fox OAM in action during the 2025 Oceania Championships.
Photo by Noel Rowsell
Left: Jonah Pares. Right: Tatiana Beaumont. Action from Saturday night. Courtesy of Rex Bergas @capturedbyrekz
Panthers send statement in Magic Round
The Panthers returned to their scintillating best in a 32-8 thumping of Brisbane Broncos in NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
APHENOMENAL Panthers performance was led by Nathan Cleary with his try, try assist, 40/20, and six goals from six attempts
Izack Tago opened the Panthers account off a Cleary kick, then Luron Patea snatched the lead with a try in his first game of 2025.
Cleary handed the Panthers a commanding lead with his try on the stroke of half-time, before Tom Jenkins’ second-half double completed an emphatic victory.
The Panthers had their backs against the wall for extended periods of a tight first half, including an opening 10 minutes dominated by Brisbane.
The Broncos opened the scoring when Ben Hunt claimed Adam Reynolds’ kick across the face of the goal posts, as another poor start
loomed over the Panthers.
A swift response settled the Panthers nerves, with Cleary chipping over the defence for Izack Tago to score an equalising try.
Cleary put the Panthers ahead with a penalty goal, then kept the Broncos at bay with his kicking game and inspiring effort plays.
The Panthers had to defend their
red zone for the best part of seven minutes as Brisbane threatened to strike back, and Reynolds eventually settled for a penalty goal to level the scores.
The Panthers defensive efforts were duly rewarded, as their second try came soon after.
Luron Patea made instant impact from the bench in his first game of
2025, wrestling through five goal-line defenders to score a game-changing four-pointer late in the first half.
Then, on the stroke of half-time, Nathan Cleary emulated his 2023 grand final heroics against the Broncos.
The halfback drifted left to attack the goal-line defence, before stepping back inside to slice through and slide over under the sticks. Even a triumphant try celebration mirrored his iconic grand final match-winner.
The Panthers hit the sheds with a 20-8 lead, and quickly put the game to bed in the second half.
In an early attacking raid, the quick hands of Blaize Talagi and Luke Garner created space for Tom Jenkins, who exploded through the defence with a burst of speed.
Soon after, the Panthers set their sights on Brisbane’s right edge again.
A near-identical backline play gave Jenkins another glimpse at the try line, and the Panthers winger completed the move with a spectacular finish.
The Panthers saw out the final 25 minutes with poise and professionalism, coasting to a 32-8 triumph over the Broncos on their own turf.
The Panthers will set their sights on back-to-back victories in Round 10, when they return to Queensland to face the Cowboys on Saturday 10 May.
